American Staffordshire, Weimaraner, Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier Mix?

Doggy DNA

Dog DNA testing has been around for about a decade, but costs before have prevented people from getting it done. Now that this testing has been around for a while, it has become more affordable. For about $90 dollars many veterinarian clinics can take a simple cheek swab from your beloved pet, send the swab in, and have results in about two weeks that clue you in to what your dog really is.

The Results are In

The answers may surprise you. While most of us think that you can look at a dog and usually gauge the breed, most veterinarians say it is more about the attitude than the looks. Behavior, navigation, memory, and various other factors will help you determine what your dog is (with some research of course). But if you have the desire, and the spare cash, a simple DNA test can give you precise answers.

A Word to the Wise

But dog owners be warned! Due to the fact that the cost on dog DNA testing is going down, many homeowners and renters associations are now using this technology to find out which owners are not picking up after their pet. Yes, you heard correctly. Fecal DNA testing is now cheaper than hiring a cleaning crew. If your dog does his business on someone else's lawn or in the common areas controlled by the HOA or rental property, you could be facing fines or even eviction if it is traced back to you!

We did an "at home" dna test where you swab the dog's cheek (harder than it sounds especially with small dog with a tiny mouth!) and then mail it to the lab. The results were good but not exact - our shelter dog Kloey came back as half poodle, part chihuahua but part unknown (judging by her pink nose and pointy snout we joke that the unknown may be possum!). Apparently, when they are very mixed several generations back even the dna test can not be conclusive! It was fun to learn more about her but regardless of whatever she may be genetically we love her and cannot imagine not having her in our lives. Adopt from a shelter please!